Volunteer role win-win for Ashby resident Sean Gibb and local community

ASHBY volunteer Sean Gibb is one of the many being celebrated by the City of Wanneroo during National Volunteer Week.

Since October, the 19-year-old has been spending two days a week replenishing dog waste bags at five local parks.

Mr Gibbs was diagnosed with dyspraxia and mild autism when he was aged two and the volunteer work has improved his speech and hand-eye co-ordination, while helping him become fitter and lowering his cholesterol.

He enjoys his role and the vital part it plays in the community.

“I have a job that I am able to do to the best of my capabilities, I am out in the fresh air, you are helping people to clean up after their dogs,” he said.

“This helps keep the environment clean and other people who use these parks for different actives can use them with confidence knowing that they shouldn’t step in dogs’ doings.”

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the City had more than 600 registered volunteers and received about 500 annual inquiries from residents wanting to help.

“We are blessed to have so many residents prepared to volunteer their time for the benefit of our community,” she said.

“It is the ongoing efforts of our volunteers that help to make the City of Wanneroo such a welcoming and enjoyable place in which to live.”

National Volunteer Week runs from May 8 to 14 and the City is hosting four free information sessions with organisations including Volunteer Task Force, St John Ambulance, Ed Connect and the Department of Parks and Wildlife about their volunteer programs.

Sessions will run at libraries in Clarkson on May 8 from 10am to noon, Wanneroo on May 9 from 1pm to 3pm, Two Rocks on May 11 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and Girrawheen on May 12 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.